What I'm Packing for Tulum

I leave on my trip to Tulum late next week, and naturally I wanted to share what I'm packing. Below is everything I'm bringing, minus a couple bathing suits and athleisure for any hikes or more rigorous exploring. We are going for 5 days, so packing light is key. I'm not much of a traveler, but when I go away for less than a week, I make sure to bring items that can easily be mixed and matched. It's essentially a mini capsule collection where I won't have to think too much! I didn't realize it until putting this collage together, but lighter neutrals, blues, and greens seems to be the general theme for my tropical wardrobe - light, and hopefully airy!

Keep in mind that Tulum is typically really hot (I think 80 degrees is the annual average), and we are going in the dead of Summer. I have family that live in Guadalajara, but my last visit to Mexico was ages ago so I've been reading up on travel blogs.

What I'm packing for Tulum:

• Two denim shorts
• Two pairs of sandals, one pair of flat espadrilles
• Two kimonos
• Two dresses, one that's a bit dressier and one that's casual
• Two camisoles
• Three tops/tees
• One bathing suit coverup
• Two bathing suits
• Pjs
• One "workout" outfit
• One crossbody bag
• One tote for the beach/pool
• One hat
• I *may* add my pink mini skirt

A side note on the crossbody bag: I returned this one that I got during the Nordstrom anniversary sale. It felt a little cheap to me unfortunately, and the color was also unexpected. I ended up getting this nylon crossbody from Target of all places, and I'm really happy with it so far. However, two reviews on the website say that the strap broke! I'll report back...

 Most of these pieces are basics, and I find that they are the easiest to pack in a small carry-on suitcase. I'm bringing minimal beauty products as well, mostly sunscreen! We plan on taking some fun outfit pictures while we're there so I'll of course share any once I get back. In the meantime, you can see more details of my Tulum wardrobe below. I'll be back next week with an outfit post 💗 

Linking up with Gina and Amy Ann

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Palm Print Wrap Top

Well, it's here guys. While most kids are heading back to school, we are officially deep in the dog days of Summer. It's hot, humid, and basically painful to step outside during the middle of the day. While I begin reading up on transitional pieces and planning for some of my Fall wardrobe, you can still catch me in tank tops and sandals. The heat isn't going anywhere.

Wearing // Nordstrom top on sale, Old Navy denim, Loeffler Randall bag, Ettika coin necklace, Zara slides (similar here), Nordstrom bar studs

Beauty // Becca glow gloss in "Camellia"

I bought this faux wrap top last month in anticipation of my trip to Tulum. The print naturally is what sold it for me, as my love for tropical patterns and looser fabrics is still going strong. But, the wrap/tie detail at the waist also caught my attention. I've always loved wrap styles because they are incredibly figure flattering and look so polished. I added my old favorites - lived-in denim, metallic slides, and a lilac saddle bag for a fun night out. I'll just switch out the jeans in favor of shorts on my upcoming Mexican trip.

Speaking of which, I can't believe Tulum is two weeks away! Katie and I have been in a non-stop texting flurry wrapping up last minute details. We can't stop outfit planning either! More on that Wednesday 😉

In the meantime I'm linking up with Rachelle.  Hope you had a great weekend!

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What I Typically Eat & My Food Philosophy

 I thought I'd do something different and share what I typically eat everyday as well as some easy recipes I'm loving. If this isn't of interest to you and you couldn't care less, I totally get it! But for those that are interested, I'm hoping you find this somewhat helpful. I love watching grocery store hauls on Instagram stories...is that a thing?

Back Story: I'm not the best cook. I even have a Pinterest board called "cooking for the timid cook" where I pin easy recipes to make. I try to reduce the stress of meal planning by sticking to healthy options that don't involve much thinking!
I've struggled a bit with my weight since turning 30. If you've read here since the beginning, then you've probably noticed too. Pounds don't come off as readily as they used to, and I'm totally okay with that as a whole. But, I'm human and I get down on myself from time to time especially on days where I take outfit photos. There's nothing quite like looking at a picture of yourself and getting a reality check.

There are so many diets out there - paleo, carnivore, keto, low carb, no carb, low sugar, no sugar. It's hard to keep up with the fads, so I don't even bother trying anymore.  I stick to proteins and vegetables most of the time because I like the way my body feels when I do. That's all the proof I need. But I LOVE food, and I don't believe in restricting certain types anymore. If I want bread I eat it! In moderation though because it makes me feel super bloated and tired. I applied for a job a few months ago working at a treatment facility for eating disorders and the director of the program told me something that resonated, as small as it seems. She said, "we don't believe in good or bad food here, only food." I don't think I'll ever forget that interview.

Typical lunch is salad of some sort using whatever we have on hand. 

Breakfast: It's all about eggs!
I'm rarely very hungry in the morning, but I eat a little something anyway so that my body can get a jumpstart on the day. I reach for a hardboiled egg (I make a fresh batch every Sunday evening). We also do a lot of egg bakes that can be reheated every morning. I take a casserole dish and combine eggs, almond milk, veggies, shredded cheese, and turkey sausage. Throw it in the oven at 400 and bake between 20 and 30 minutes.

I don't drink coffee every morning, but I treat myself to an almond milk latte two or three times a week. We have a couple spots by our house that I just love (Liquid Leaf and Intazza if you're in Temecula).

I'm not a big Trader Joe's person, but they make the best seasonings that I like to put on everything from eggs, to salads, to grilled fish. The chile lime is my favorite.

I like to put some pesto on chicken breast, eggs, and of course pasta! Kirkland makes my favorite.

Lunch: I love a hearty salad using what we have around but the one above was pretty sad because all we had was some roast beef from the deli and grape tomatoes. Hey, it's quick and it's satisfying. I also love sandwiches so if Nate and I go out to eat, we usually split one. We split a lot actually! It keeps the cost of eating out down and portions at restaurants are usually too big for me anyway.

Dinner: Usually a protein and roasted or sauteed vegetables. I also swear by my crock pot and throw in sweet potatoes and chicken as a stew. 

Snacks: Crackers and almond butter, assorted nuts, cuties, string cheese, pickles, or fruit. 

Something Sweet: We usually keep some dark chocolate around and whenever I have a sweet tooth, I'll eat a couple squares. Also, chocolate covered almonds are a must in our pantry!

This Summer, I discovered these Greek frozen yogurt bars. I'm sure they've been around for awhile, but they're new to me. Perfect for hot days when I want something ice cold and refreshing.

What do you guys think? Pretty easy right?! I'm always looking for suggestions or new recipes so if you have any specialties, send them my way! Making meals is still a bit intimidating, but I've come a long way since college. When you look at food as fuel and as medicine, your perspective changes. None of this is ground-breaking, but it kind of has been for me in my life as I try to take better care of myself from the inside out.

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Floral Kimono & Pink Mini

This floral kimono is one of my favorite purchases of Summer, and I've worn it repeatedly with everything from dresses (last seen here), to jeans and a cami, to denim cutoffs, and here with a knotted tee and mini skirt. If you haven't tried the kimono trend yet, I mean...why not? I own three and cycle between them constantly. Depending on the print/color/length, there's something for everyone. I wear mine over a bathing suit as well and it's just the right amount of coverage.

Wearing // Morning Lavender kimono, H&M tee, Similar skirt, Clare V bag, Similar flats, Similar earrings on sale

It's funny how much my attitude has changed over the years regarding which outfits to share on this blog. Not too long ago, I would spend quite a bit of time carefully picking each item, worrying if the look was unique, inspiring, or conveying a particular mood. Now I feel much more comfortable in just showing you ME, and it doesn't have to be tied to some perception I want to put out there. I used to obsess over every little detail, and God forbid I repeat wearing the same things too frequently. I've seen the light finally this year and now I realize the value I'm getting out of simply documenting the things that I truly love to wear, regardless of how often I've already shown them to you. I know I've spoken on this a lot lately, and I sound like a broken record but the fact that I featured this kimono just two weeks ago and am sharing it again had me thinking about all this. I know, deep thoughts.

Speaking of which, it's still incredibly hot and smokey here due to all the fires but we are fortunate to be safe in the area we live in. I've been keeping everyone in my prayers, all the families, animals, and firefighters battling the flames. I hope you will too.

Linking up with Rachelle today.

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